Nina van Duijnhoven: Statement

The ‘No’ vote in Australia and the recent setbacks in New Zealand due to the change of government, weigh heavily on my heart.

In this work I contemplate the struggles faced by the Māori, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and use their experiences as a reflection on the broader challenges confronting indigenous communities worldwide. 

These pieces specifically focus on the profound connection indigenous cultures share with the natural world which is rooted in spiritual, cultural, and sustainable practices. Unlike Western perspectives that often exploit nature, I draw inspiration from the indigenous viewpoint, which regards the environment as a living entity with intrinsic value. This holistic approach emphasizing harmony, reciprocity, and the interdependence of all living things.

The work honours indigenous perspectives and envisions a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future where the wisdom of indigenous communities becomes an integral part of our shared narrative.